How did Vijay break the Dravidian duopoly? And what lies ahead for Tamil Nadu?

Raavana Mavanda; Othaiyil Nikkira Yamanda…

This popular song from the upcoming film Jana Nayagan was widely used by Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam supporters in their social media campaign during the Tamil Nadu state elections. It loosely means, “The son of Ravana; the destroyer [Yama] standing alone.”

On Monday, actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay was transformed into the electoral Yama for both the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in the state – standing alone to defeat the two Dravidian behemoths who have taken turns ruling the southern state for nearly 60 years.

As of 5 pm on counting day, the Election Commission of India website showed that the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam or Tamil Nadu Victory Federation had won three seats and was leading in 107. The Tamil Nadu Assembly has 234 seats in total, with 118 being the halfway mark required to form a government.

In terms of vote share, the TVK had nearly touched 35%. The DMK was a distant second, with leads in 52 constituencies and wins in six, while the AIADMK was third with leads in 45 seats.

By this point, sitting Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin had lost his race in Kolathur in Chennai, while party general secretary and veteran Duraimurugan trailed in Katpadi....

Read more